G. Andrew Boyd/The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Saints fullback Heath Evans was injured on this play and had surgery on Wednesday.

New Orleans Saints fullback Heath Evans has been placed on injured reserve and replaced on the 53-man roster by former New England Patriots fullback Kyle Eckel, Coach Sean Payton said Thursday.

Evans suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will be lost for the season. Dr. James Andrews performed surgery Thursday on Evans.

"We're losing a starter who has really played well these first six games,'' Payton said.

Also, Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis suffered a sprained right knee and his status for Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons will be updated through the week.

Eckel, 27, was a former teammate of Evans' in New England, where he saw his most extensive playing time in 2007, appearing in 12 games. The 5-11, 237-pounder also appeared in five games with the Philadelphia Eagles last year but was released on the final cut-down day this September.

Eckel began his career as an undrafted free agent out of Navy in 2005, but he bounced around from New England to Miami and back to New England before making his NFL debut in '07. He has 57 carries for 169 yards and two touchdowns in his career.

Evans injured his right knee with 9:06 remaining in Sunday's 46-34 come-from-behind victory against the Miami Dolphins at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.